Staff Report March 2010

24/05/10

Lodge Redevelopment Project:
Works are now slightly behind schedule. Painting has started upstairs - colours look good. Sofas and armchairs have been ordered with other furniture selected. Carpet design & colour confirmed with manufacturer. Deer larder layout and rail system is designed and confirmed with manufacturer. Woodchip boiler on its way from Denmark.
Solar panels still to be finalised - awaiting details from Rok.

Affordable Housing:
Draft feasibility study has been submitted to AF by Rural Design. A group of 4 blocks of terraced housing, built in 2 or more phases, and all associated infrastructure, has been costed at £4.6 million. Recommendations within the study include that a CAR license is applied for from SEPA for drainage outfall into the Culag river system, and that a right for AF to maintain the access road must be obtained.

Walled Garden:
Awaiting better temporary fencing to keep deer out. John-Alex hopes to be able to do this soon.

Stalking/Land Management:
Official results of Drumrunie deer count have now been received. Deer density on Drumrunie has now reached the level aimed for.
Mortality has been low despite the poor weather. The selective cull has meant better herd health and more food per beast. Russell Robertson has kindly offered to give H&S training in risk assessment and manual handling to stalking staff.

Interest has been expressed in community pig stock club.
There is a 'local food day' on Saturday 20th March in the Village Hall. AF have been invited to put up a poster etc. and attend . This would be a good opportunity to gauge interest in a community pork/beef supply / stock club.

Andy Summers and other Field Club members have asked for permission to repair/improve the Osprey platform on Loch Assynt. DM approved subject to H&S risk assessment.
SRDP: Forest Plan SoI has been given amber status.

Estate Plan: Public open day was held in Lochinver Village Hall on Tuesday 23rd February, attended by around 23 people.
Thanks to all directors involved.

Communications:
Newsletter has been emailed. It will be posted to those members whose email addresses we don't have.

CWA:
DM is a Director of CWA on behalf of AF and attended a Board meeting. CWA have opportunities assisting member groups to run training courses. These should be targeted in the Central belt as Highlands have had their share but uptake and delivery has been slow so re-location is possible with courses to be run before April (end of?). Possible courses are
boat handling for deer extraction
coracle making
DIY solar panel construction


Matters arising from last meeting:
Director training still to be arranged.
Lead and support directors of subgroups still need finalising.
Visit arranged by CES to hydro-screw energy scheme at Strathdon has been postponed to 18th March, after more screw-freezing weather in feb.
TLC: Information and a link to further information has been sent round by Mandy regarding the legal status of Community Interest Companies and 'asset-locking'.